1. Diving at Neil IslandHavelock is where everyone goes to dive, so make your way to neighbouring Neil Island, which has even more going for it. Serene and uncrowded, the reefs here offer more pristine natural sites for divers. Explore the wonders of the underwater world at your own pace, looking for blue-spotted stingrays, reef sharks, dugongs and several rare sea creatures. Dive India (0091-31-9221 4247, diveindia.com/neil) organises diving for all levels, as well as accommodation.

2. Trekking on Mount HarrietThe chief reason to climb to the top of Mount Harriet (0091-31-9223 2694, andamantourism.gov.in) on South Andaman island is to see one of the most endangered animals in the world: the Andaman white-toothed shrew. One of the smallest mammals, it’s found only in India – and only in a 51sqkm area around the mountain. Located within the Mount Harriet National Park in Port Blair, a beautiful sanctuary with a beach, this particular mountain is not an arduous climb and is suitable for beginners. Keep a look out for Andaman wild pigs, another endangered species.Andhra Pradesh

3. Hot-air ballooning in Araku ValleyThree hours away from Vizag, Araku Valley sits in the lap of nature, a pristine and quiet escape from the country’s busy cities. Add a dash of thrill to this escape by participating in the Araku Balloon Festival (0091-75-0601 0103, arakuballoonfestival.com) in January, a new annual event that launched just a year ago. Soaring above the green vistas, you can see the Eastern Ghats and coffee plantations spread out below – there’s nothing but natural beauty for miles on end.

Arunachal Pradesh

4. White-water rafting on the SubansiriOne of the most challenging river-rafting experiences in India is on the Subansiri River, a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra. You’ll be faced with grade III and higher rapids, but the real hurdles are the sheer vertical drops and the volume of water in this golden river, so only attempt this under expert guidance. Expeditions are organised by seasoned rafters at Aquaterra (0091-11-2921 2641, aquaterra.in).

5. Trekking to TawangYou can hardly return from Arunachal without visiting the world-famous Tawang Monastery, which cuts quite the vision perched atop a mountain, seemingly at the edge of the world – and you can add an additional thrill to your journey by forgoing the chopper ride and trekking it all the way instead (0091-36-0221 4745, arunachaltourism.com/trekking.php). Starting at Bomdila, at 2,440m, scale high altitudes while passing through ancient villages like Dirang, a Monpa tribe settlement, and mountain passes such as Sela Pass sitting at nearly 4,000m. The two-day trek culminates at Tawang where, alongside the monastery, you can also visit high-altitude lakes and local tribal villages.

Assam

6. Going on elephant safari at Kaziranga National ParkAbout 200km from Guwahati is beautiful Kaziranga National Park (0091-12-0405 2601, kaziranga-national-park.com), where you can have a unique safari experience atop elephants. Not only can the gentle giants get closer to wild animals, but from your lofty vantage point it’s also easier to spot shy creatures like the big cats. The highlight here is the endangered one-horned rhino, and Assam is one of just two places in the world where you can find them. Also look out for hoolock gibbons, swamp deer and tigers.

SEE A ONE-HORNED RHINO AT KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

7. Tasting the bhut jolokiaFor an excitement of another kind, bite into the deceptively ordinary-looking bhut jolokia, a local variety of red chilli that’s considered to be the hottest in the world. Also called the “ghost pepper” or “ghost chilli”, it’s widely available in Assam and is certified to be 400 times hotter than Tabasco by Guinness World Records.

Chhattisgarh

8. Spelunking at KotumsarWhen it comes to caving, Chhattisgarh has some of the country’s best options. The 200m-long Kotumsar Cave in Kanger Valley National Park (kvnp.in) offers an exciting opportunity to see centuries-old natural limestone carvings and rock formations. With no avenues for daylight to slip inside, it’s pitch-black and often seeping with water, so go well prepared and with a local guide.

9. Eating red-ant chutneyYes, you read that right. A chutney made out of red ants is a regional delicacy in Bastar, where it’s locally known as chapura or chaprah. The ants, along with chilli, salt, ginger, garlic and other seasonings, are turned into a paste with a pestle and mortar. It’s said that red-ant chutney has anti-septic and other beneficial medicinal properties, making it more than just an adventurous treat.

Delhi

DELHI'S VERDANT SANJAY VAN FOREST

10. Birdwatching at Sanjay VanDelhi remains one of the greenest capitals of the world, and proof of this can be found in urban forests like Sanjay Van (delhitourism.gov.in). Located in the neighbourhood of Vasant Kunj, you can spot over 150 avian species such as the Oriental honey buzzard and the white-throated kingfisher. Right in the middle of Delhi, there’s more than 780 acres of hiking and birdwatching on offer.

11. Chasing the momo at Majnu Ka TilaLocated in North Delhi, near Kashmiri Gate, Majnu Ka Tila is known for its Tibetan market, brimming with all sorts of knick-knacks, as well as winter wear. Between the shops are small restaurants serving some of the best momos (dumplings) in town. As every chef’s recipe varies slightly, the hunt for your perfect momo is not easy – you must navigate crowded narrow lanes and sample a number of places to find the one that’s just right for you. Don’t forget to take local recommendations along the way.

Goa

12. Waterskiing at MoborLeave the noise and clutter of north Goa behind and head south, about an hour-and-a-half from capital Panaji, to the quieter Mobor Beach in Cavelossim (goatourism.gov.in). Here, you can hop on a pair of skis, hook yourself up to a speed boat and race on water. Waterskiing is fun, energetic and a great rush for the thrill-seeker. Prepare to get totally soaked.

TRY PARASAILING IN GOA

13. Water sports at Coco BeachFor those who like to be in the thick of things, Coco Beach in Dandarim, just north of Panaji, is the perfect spot. It’s close to the nightlife and food scenes as well as offering a host of watery adventures. Try adrenalin-pumping sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boats or a bumper ride – where you cling to a rubber raft as a speed boat drags you across the water trying to flip you over. The game lies in holding on as long as you can.

Gujarat

WILD ASSES IN THE LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH

14. Going on a wild-ass chaseA little-known fact is that Gujarat (gujarattourism.com) is home to a rare animal species found nowhere else in the world: no, not the Asiatic lion, but the less talked about Indian wild ass (ghudkhur or onager in the local tongue). This equine resembles a horse more closely than a donkey and is notable due to its light, sandy coat and dark mane. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch is the best place to spot these endangered creatures.

Himachal Pradesh

15. Angling in Tirthan ValleyAt first, fishing may not seem much of an adventure – sitting for hours in the same spot, quiet and still. But as sports fishermen know, the adventure comes in the anticipation, followed by the chase and, finally, the thrill of the catch. Tirthan Valley (0091-94-1810 2083, tirthanvalley.com) is one of the best angling sites for brown and rainbow trout – the picturesque Tirthan River with its mountain backdrop also making for the perfect nature break.

16. River rafting in ManaliThe Beas River calls to thrill-seekers as it loops you through its grade II and III rapids, swallowing you in and spitting you out at its whim. White-water rafting in Manali (0091-94-1877 8899, manaliwaterrafting.com) is a challenging sport that requires alertness and physical fitness, but is rewarding for the seasoned rafter. For the daring, you can also go solo on a kayak.

CHANDRATAL LAKE IN SPITI VALLEY

17. Trekking at TaboIf you want Ladakh without the crowds, head to nearby Spiti Valley (hplahaulspiti.nic.in). Less known but starkly beautiful, this Himalayan region includes Tabo. From this high-altitude village you can embark on several treks – from an easy hike along the Spiti River to a challenging trek scaling Mount Kanamo Peak, which soars nearly 6,000m high.

Jammu & Kashmir

18. Trekking to Upper DachigamThe hangul, or Kashmir stag, is a critically endangered animal found only in the Kashmir Valley. A subspecies of the red deer, it can be seen at Lower Dachigam, 22km from Srinagar – but for a better chance at spotting this striking antlered animal, trek out to Upper Dachigam in the winter. The area falls within Dachigam National Park (jktourism.org/dachigam-wildlife-sanctuary) and can be reached by a challenging six- to eight-hour trek from Lower Dachigam.

19. Sighting the snow leopardMake no mistake, this is one of the toughest challenges in the world and a reward is not guaranteed – it’s not called “the grey ghost of the Himalayas” without reason – but the thrill of possibly spotting the snow leopard should be motivation enough. You’ll walk through extreme temperatures and the treacherous territory of Hemis National Park (0091-889-927 5404, lehladakhindia.com/hemis-national-park) in Ladakh for up to a week, camping at night at 5,180m, often bracing winter storms, in hopes of glimpsing this elusive predator – but if you’re successful you’ll feel on top of the world in more ways than one.

SNOWBOARD IN GULMARG

20. Skiing in GulmargThe famous ski gondola in Gulmarg (0091-94-1900 8168, skigulmarg.com), the world’s highest cable car, takes you up to Apharwat Peak, and to the brilliantly white snowscape at over 4,260m. You can ski to your heart’s content on international-standard packed snow well into April, or simply enjoy being out in a landscape that’s breathtaking as far as the eye can see.

21. Sipping on gurgurKashmiri food is world famous for its flavours, but not all of it is immediately palatable. Take butter tea, called gur gur chai in Ladakh. Made of scant tea leaves, this is actually a concoction of yak butter and salt – and is something of an acquired taste. Trying it is nothing short of an adventure – you may not take to it at once, but it does keep you nice and warm in the harsh winters.

22. Driving on the highest road in the worldIt’s not often that you get to rev up at 5,800m – but in Ladakh you can now drive across the Umling La Pass (0091-11-4242 3100, lehladakhindia.com/umling-la-pass) at 5,880m, on an 86km stretch of motorable road built by the Border Roads Organisation last year. Connecting high-altitude villages Chisumle and Demchok, the road will take you through untouched natural environs for one of the world’s most unique road trips.

Jharkhand

23. Parasailing in GiridihAround 150km from the capital of Ranchi, Giridih is a new stop for adventure junkies. A short way out of town isKhandoli Park (giridih.nic.in/tourist-place/khandoli), built by the local tourism department to encourage water sports. Here, you can parasail away into the sky and fly like a bird – which you should keep your eyes peeled for as some rare avian species may be sharing the skies with you.

Karnataka

FLY A MICROLIGHT IN COORG

24. Microlight flying in CoorgGet a different view on the lush coffee plantations of Coorg – from a tiny aircraft that you’ll be piloting yourself. With Coorg Sky Adventures (0091-94-4895 4384), flights take off from Ponnampet, from where you hop on to a hang glider (solo or with a companion) and zip about at 1,500m to get unrivalled vistas of the landscape. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of flying your own craft.

Kerala

25. Bamboo rafting in ThekkadyA unique way to explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve (keralatourism.org) is from the water, floating atop a bamboo raft. After a trek through the forest, hop on the raft for an exciting “raft safari”. It’s easy to lose your balance, so it’s trickier than you may first assume – and things get even more exciting if a tiger appears for a drink at the riverside. This is a safari like no other.

Lakshadweep

DIMINUTIVE KADMAT ISLAND

26. Kayaking at Kadmat IslandKadmat (kadmat.com) is a small island but is well known among water-sports lovers for its protected coral reefs. Get a kayak and make your way through the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea to catch glimpses of its underwater world. Kayaks are complimentary with your stay at one of the island’s resorts.

Madhya Pradesh

LOOK FOR TIGERS IN KANHA NATIONAL PARK

27. Going on the ultimate safari at KanhaYou wake up before the sun rises and get into an open-top jeep, driving over uneven paths cutting into the Sal forest in total silence. All around is the chirping of a hundred different birds and you listen for an animal call announcing that a tiger is out on the prowl… Life doesn’t get more exciting than inside Kanha National Park (mptourism.com/tourist-places/kanha-national-park.html), your best bet for spotting India’s elusive striped feline. A five-hour adventure where you breakfast inside the jungle, this one will hook you from the start and keep you coming back for more.

28. Seeing the rare vultures of PannaLong-billed, red-headed, Egyptian and Indian vultures – Panna National Park (pannatigerreserve.in) is home to a large variety of critically endangered or near-threatened vulture species. Great conservation efforts at Panna have managed to create a safe haven for the scavengers and observing these large birds at the park’s Vulture Point is fascinating. In winter, see migratory species join the usual residents, making for an even livelier experience.

Maharashtra

29. Paragliding in KamshetAbout 110km from Mumbai and a short drive from Lonavala, Kamshet (maharashtratourism.gov.in) is increasingly popular for adventure sports. Paragliding remains the favourite, with flights taking off from Tower Hill or Shelar, depending on the direction and strength of winds. Solo or with a guide, as you take off from the hill’s edge you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Vadivali Lake.

30. Searching for tigers in Tadoba National ParkTadoba National Park (maharashtratourism.gov.in/treasures/wildlife-sanctury/tadoba-andhari-tiger-reserve) has had incredible tiger sightings recently thanks to a number of new cubs being born and mothers always out on the hunt for them. Head out on a 6am morning jeep safari and hope for the best – often the thrill of the tiger is more in the chase than the actual sighting.

Manipur

31. Visiting the floating islands of Loktak LakeThe largest freshwater lake in the country, Loktak Lake Park (manipurtourism.gov.in/in-around-loktak-lake) is a unique landscape with floating islands of reed, called phumdi, unlike anything you’ve seen. A portion of Loktak forms the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is just 40sqkm in size but where you can see the dancing deer, or sangai, as well as the state bird of Manipur, Mrs Hume’s pheasant. Recent additions are water-sport activities on the lake, such as windsurfing and water-skiing, a more thrilling way to reach the islands than by boat.

32. Spelunking at MawsmaiLocated six kilometres from Cherrapunjee, the limestone caves at Mawsmai (megtourism.gov.in) are a world of wonders. Pass through surreal natural formations and rooms that look like ancient amphitheatres as you traverse the 150m stretch of cave that is open for spelunking. Be ready to cross on your hands and knees, often crawling past obstacles such as stalactite and stalagmite formations.

33. Hiking across living-root bridgesFashioned from the roots of ancient trees, the Khasi population around Cherrapunjee uses living-root bridges to cross over water bodies and difficult terrain. Hiking them has become something of an adventure sport – and you’ll find out why as soon as you try. Unlike the sturdy bridges we’re used to, it takes great agility and balance to cross one of these without toppling over. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge near Cherrapunjee, at Tyrna village, is a good place to start.

Mizoram

34. Trekking Blue MountainFour hours from capital Aizawl, Champhai is a picturesque little hamlet on the border of India and Myanmar, with the Blue Mountain (mizoram.gov.in/page/phawngpui-blue-mountain) visible in the distance. This is a good base for a number of treks, some leading off into the mountains, some to fields blanketed in wildflowers, and others going through Murlen National Park where you can spot endemic animals like the hoolock gibbon.

Nagaland

EXPERIENCE A MOUNTAIN-BIKING FESTIVAL IN NAGALAND

35. Mountain biking at MokokchungThe Trail Hounds Biking Club (0091-940-267 9388, trailhoundsmkg.wixsite.com/thcc), based in Mokokchung, 120km from Kohima, organises a mountain-biking festival every December, in which riders from several different countries take part. The three-day event has cross-country and downhill biking trails, and follows a rugged, arduous mountain path. It’s also held at the same time as the Hornbill Festival, so you can mix culture with adventure for a complete Nagaland holiday.

36. Staying at a Naga headhunter’s homeThe Konyaks of Nagaland are among the world’s last headhunting tribes and a stay amid these colourful people provides a glimpse into their fascinating past. From Dimapur, you will have to travel for the better part of a day to reach a Konyak village in the Mon district, but it’s all part of the experience. Listen to “hunting” stories from your host, eat local food and go for hikes in the nearby tea gardens – a truly immersive experience.

Odisha

37. Exploring the eerie mangroves of BhitarkanikaAbout three-and-a-half hours from Bhubaneswar, Chandbali is the last land destination before you enter the marshy terrain of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (bhitarkanikanationalpark.com) by boat. It’s an eerie, dark world inside Bhitarkanika, the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in the country, with the waters full of reptiles and the weird and haunting pneumatophores, better known as breathing roots. A tour of the mangroves is unforgettable – but beware, the saltwater crocs inside are one of the most threatening species in the world.

38. Boating on Chilika LakeAbout two hours from Bhubaneswar, a soft adventure awaits you and your family. The largest brackish-water lake in Asia, and a site favoured by bird watchers around the world, Chilika Lake (orissatourism.org/chilka-lake) is visited by hundreds of migratory birds in the winter and makes for a great day trip. Take a boat out to Satapada Island or Nalabana Island for the best look at local birds as well as the chance to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Rajasthan

39. Leopard sightings in JaipurThe urban forest of Jhalana became the Jhalana Leopard Safari (0091-99-2940 0009, jhalanaleopard.business.site) in early 2016, when citizen activists and the government got together to save the big cats who began adopting the urban forest due to displacement. It’s a small park with some 20 leopards, so this might be the only place in the world where a leopard sighting comes nearly guaranteed.

40. Glamping in JawaiIf you prefer your leopards more on rocky terrain than in a forest, head to the desertscape of Jawai – near the dam you’ll see crocs lazing and lithe big cats on the prowl. Camp in luxury at Suján Jawai (doubles from AED 3,581 per night; 0091-11-4617 2700, sujanluxury.com/jawai), where the best bubbly is poured as you watch the sun set and the nocturnal predators awaken.

41. Going on camel safari in JaisalmerDon’t let the gentle pace fool you – riding a camel is a challenging task, as the “ship of the desert” goes bobbing up and down on the golden sands of Jaisalmer (0091-94-1446 9998, jaisalmercamelsafari.com). Sore limbs aside, this adventure offers glimpses of desert life in Rajasthan, taking you past nomadic tribes and little settlements, and offering stunning vistas of the arid Thar Desert.

Sikkim

42. Trekking Green LakeTrek to one of the most stunning natural regions in India – the Green Lake (0091-96-7922 5707, trekkinginsikkims.com), located at the base camp of Mount Khangchendzonga at about 4,875m. Your trek will take you through the untouched green stretches of North Sikkim and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Khangchendzonga National Park, where you can spot rare species like the clouded leopard and red panda. Green Lake is a glacier-fed freshwater lake, a stunning expanse of azure against the bare Eastern Himalayan geography; from here, discover several other treks going higher into the snowy peaks.

43. White-water rafting at TeestaOriginating from a high-altitude lake, River Teesta (0091-99-3225 7830, sikkimtour.in/river-rafting.php) offers rafters a special thrill as it gushes past dense forests and the mountains of Sikkim. With rapids up to grade IV, this is an activity for experts, though you can ask your guide to stick to the less challenging grade II rapids, too. The starting point is Melli, about 60km from Gangtok.

Tamil Nadu

44. Mountain cycling in the NilgirisTake part in a nine-stage, eight-day cycling expedition, the Tour of Nilgiris (0091-990-015 8768, tourofnilgiris.com), taking place every December. This competition is a 900km cycling group tour that is open to cycling champs across the world. As much a test of your fitness and temperament as it is a rewarding activity, you’ll cycle past rivers, villages, mountains, rainforests and three wildlife sanctuaries. Keep a look out for the endangered Nilgiri tahr.

Uttarakhand

45. Brahmatal trekLohajung (0091-13-5305 1503, uk.gov.in), where your trek starts, is a hill town at 2,290m with snowy peaks in the distance and fields of colourful local spinach in red, yellow and green. The six-day trek will have you wandering through oak and fir forests, and once the Brahmatal Peak has been scaled, at over 3,600m, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape, including the famous snow-covered Trishul and Nandaghunti peaks.

SEE SNOW-COVERED PEAKS AT AULI

46. Skiing in AuliIt’s one of India’s must-do winter adventures. Here, Asia’s longest cable-car ride takes you from Joshimath to the upper reaches of Auli (0091-98-3793 7948, auliskiing.in), where a vast canvas of snow allows you to carve your memories on the slopes. The three-metre-deep snow makes for incredible skiing conditions, and the panorama of snowy peaks, such as Nanda Devi, adds to the experience.

47. Staying at a haunted hotel in MussoorieHere’s an adventure of a different kind. Talk to people in any of India’s hill stations and tales of haunted houses find their way into the narrative sooner or later, and Mussoorie is no different. The Savoy (doubles from AED 615; 0091-135-263 7000, itchotels.in) was the setting for Agatha Christie’s first murder mystery, The Mysterious Affair At Styles, inspired by the real-life mysterious death of a British spiritualist in 1911. It’s said that Lady Frances Garnett-Orme still visits the hotel, often setting off flushes at night and making spooky noises on the creaking steps.

Uttar Pradesh

JOIN IN VIBRANT HOLI CELEBRATIONS

48. Celebrating Holi in VrindavanExperiencing Holi anywhere is an adventure in itself, painting yourself blue, green, pink and yellow, and getting drenched by water balloons – but the celebration is heightened in the town of Vrindavan in Mathura. Held at the Banke Bihari temple complex, the annual festival takes on an additional fervour as hundreds of people gather while a rain of colour pours down from all angles. It can get a bit rough, so make sure you’ve got your elbows at the ready.

49. Attending a wrestling match in VaranasiWatching half-naked men wrestle each other to the ground is not a sight for the faint-hearted, but tradition is broken at some of the akharas (wrestling grounds) in Varanasi where women are allowed to participate. Cheer on women’s empowerment and enjoy a thrilling bout or two at the annual wrestling competition held at Assi Ghat every November. Fierce battles are fought as the crowd puts their money behind contestants amid an atmosphere crackling with energy.

West Bengal

50. Hiking in KalimpongTake a walk through the mountain villages of Kalimpong (tourismdarjeeling.com/trekking-in-kalimpong) in West Bengal for an easy adventure, meeting locals and sampling cuisine such as churpee, a yak-cheese dish, as well as the ever-popular momo dumpling. Pass by quaintly named hamlets like Baranumber and Sillery Gaon and, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, opt for a homestay to immerse yourself in local culture and customs.